Rockies Push For Rocktober In July

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

I like the contrasts of Ubaldo Jimenez and Aaron Cook.  The addition of Jason Marquis and Huston Street was crucial.  The continued patience with Franklin Morales and Jorge De La Rosa seems to be a smart move, so far. 

One upgrade I would like to see from Dan O’Dowd and the Monforts is the pursuit of Toronto’s Roy Halladay.  Is it too early for a Christmas (or Hanukah) present that could actually help propel the Rockies deep into October?  I didn’t think so. 

With an outfield that has turned many heads this season, Fowler, Spilborghs, Hawpe, and newcomer Gonzalez have maintained the core that got the Rockies to the Big Game in 2007, DEFENSE.  This team of 2009 is basically the same team of Rocktober 2007, MINUS Matt Holliday, PLUS more experience. 

With one of the BEST infields in baseball (Helton, Barmes, Tulowitski, and Atkins), this makes for the sturdiest cores around.  Throw in Ian Stewart, Jeff Baker, and Omar Quintanilla and you have the recipe for A-grade baseball. 

So what’s the catch? (Sorry, had to go there)

The Bullpen.  With the departure of “THE” closer Brian Fuentes, this 2009 bullpen is shaky.  The addition of Alan Embree and Huston Street makes me feel better, but when it comes down to it, if we lose the talents of these two, who do we have to lean on? Juan Rincon? 

With Taylor Bucholz out to injury, and Manny Corpas in and out of the lineup, your Rockies are looking kind of SKINNY where it would be better to be FAT.  Would it be ok to look for the 21 year old right handed wunderkind Joulys Chachin?  If we don’t open up the pocketbook, we could be looking at noodle arms and furrowed brows in October.  What do you say, Mr. O’Dowd?

With two games remaining in June, against NL West leading LA Dodgers, the Rockies are currently 20-6 and have tied

The franchise record of most wins in a month, and when was that last?

September 2007…..20-8…….ROCKTOBER!!!!! 

It WILL be interesting to watch what happens.

David Mangum

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